Sports Budget gets Rs 350 crore boost, Khelo India bags biggest share

NEW DELHI: The government's marquee Khelo India program received a significant boost with sports and youth affairs getting a hike of Rs 351.98 crore in the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday.
The program's allocation has been increased to Rs 1,000 crore for 2025-26, up from Rs 800 crore in 2024-25.
The Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports has been allocated Rs 3,794.30 crore in total.
The increase is noteworthy as there are no major sporting events scheduled in the coming year.
The National Sports Federations will receive Rs 400 crore, up from Rs 340 crore previously.
India has submitted a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
The Sports Authority of India's funding has been raised from Rs 815 crore to Rs 830 crore for managing national camps and athlete training.
SAI oversees the maintenance and operation of stadiums throughout the country.
The National Dope Testing Laboratory will receive Rs 23 crore, an increase from Rs 18.70 crore in 2024-25.
The National Anti-Doping Agency's budget has been increased to Rs 24.30 crore from Rs 20.30 crore.
The National Sports Development Fund will continue to receive Rs 18 crore, while athlete incentives have been reduced to Rs 37 crore from Rs 42.65 crore.
Funding for youth development programs and hostels has been decreased, but support for multilateral bodies and youth exchange programs has increased to Rs 55 crore from Rs 11.70 crore.
Sports facilities in Jammu and Kashmir will receive Rs 20 crore, a Rs 14 crore increase from last year.
The National Service Scheme will receive Rs 450 crore, up by Rs 200 crore from the previous year. The National Service Scheme aims to develop character and personality of youth in schools and colleges.
The scheme focuses on developing young individuals through social work and community service.